TD wants more urgency on measures to reduce Athlone bypass noise

Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy said this week that noise mitigation measures would be installed along Athlone's N6 bypass, but this needed to happen "without delay" as the slow progress so far had been "unacceptable".

Residents living close to the busy Galway to Dublin thoroughfare have been affected by noise from vehicles for many years, and recently there have been increasing calls for action to be taken to address the issue.

Robert Troy said he sought an update on the matter from Westmeath County Council and was told that a final report investigating the noise levels for residents living near the bypass was due to be completed shortly.

Westmeath County Council stated: "We are expecting the final report on the noise and possible mitigation in the near future. We will then seek to implement measures proposed."

Commenting on this update, the TD said: "I'm delighted to receive confirmation from Westmeath County Council that they intend to implement any proposed noise reduction measures contained in the report. This is long overdue.

"Residents living close to Athlone bypass, especially those whose gardens back onto the dual carriageway, are having to endure unacceptably high noise levels. This noise pollution is affecting their lives daily.

"I look forward to seeing the outcome of the report. Residents have waited too long. Measures aimed at reducing the noise pollution along this route need to introduced without delay to improve the quality of life for the many people in the houses affected along the route.

"It's completely unacceptable that this matter has been dragging on for so long," he added.

"Westmeath County Council instructed a consultant last November to conduct an investigation into the noise levels along a stretch of the M6/N6 at Athlone. It was due to be completed by the end of last year."